Renault Duster in India Concept

Renault India Limited started out confidently in India but then their low cost car, the Mahindra Renault Logan didn’t fare too well due to its taxi image and the other factor being the car been pricier than everybody thought it would be. Well, to change that image, Renault is embarking on a sole journey in India and they plan to start that with the Renault Duster. While the Renault Logan manufacturing rights have been given to Mahindra and Mahindra, the Renault Duster, which is touted as the world’s cheapest SUV, would be an independent venture. So here is a preview of the Renault Duster in India, ahead of its 2012 launch.

The Renault Duster in India would have that very SUV stance and would do away with the boxy styling of the Logan. Well anyways, the Logan is a sedan. Anyone remembering the Hyundai Tucson would be instantly reminded of the similarities in appearance between the two SUVs. The front end looks a bit truck like with that bifocal head lamps and the not so longish hood. The grille is split with the lower end carrying a chunk of the bulk whereas the upper end makes do with only Renault badge. The lines around the shoulder of this car are more like rounded but they have a muscular stance to them. The bumper area is covered by black plastic and cutting across the mass of black plastic is an aluminium skid plate. The 16 inch wheels with fat rubber on them hold the SUV stance very well. The wing mirrors have the half black half body colored look. Like any other SUV, the wheel arches are also pronounced. The rear is the most interesting part of any SUV found in India and it has more of the hatchback type tail lamps. All in one small cluster. The rear end also gets black bumpers with an aluminium skid plate. The tail pipe is also a small unit. The rear visibility would be a problem since the rear glass area is very small.

Cut to the interiors and the familiar Logan’s interiors come to mind. The fully closable AC vents, the meter console and the position of the power window switches. Heck, even the stalks and wipers seem to be lifted off from its sedan sibling. The same semi hooded instrument binnacle with its chrome outlining and the red gauges with a digital display in the center are all Logan material. The steering wheel however is different and is a 3 spoke flat unit. The gear lever is also a stubby unit like the Logan’s. But then the similarities in the interiors ends there. The Renault Duster uses high quality materials unlike the cheap surfaces found on the Logan. Everything has a premium touch to it including the door sills and the entire packaging. The music system was fantastic and highly modern with its Bluetooth and aux input functions. Front seats are two electrically programmable but without memory functions. Though the seats feel a bit flat to sit on, they aren’t uncomfortable. Moving onto the rear seat, the rear seat passengers can boast of having individual AC vents for their comfort plus good head room, leg room and shoulder room are added benefits. The Renault Duster is a 5 seater SUV and has ample space at the rear for luggage. Unfortunately there is no third row of seats available but then it stands its ground as a genuine 5 seater SUV.

The ride ad handling package is almost the same as the Renault Logan since this SUV is built on an extended Logan platform. It uses a monocoque chassis and one which gets Machphersons in the front with double wishbones and there is a deflected H torsion beam at the rear. This setup is similar to most hatchbacks and the advantage of the same is its simple construction and significant cost savings. But then weights have been added on to handle the more hefty SUV body. In the ride front, the Renault Duster rides very well. It is softly sprung but surprisingly doesn’t pitch and bob over every undulation that comes its way. The handling is also excellent with the Duster doing one’s bidding at the turn of the steering wheel. The only gripe is that the steering sometimes turns lifeless. It has a heavy feel to it and doesn’t always inspire confidence. To keep the SUV in a straight line, one has to labor more than with regular SUVs. The Renault Duster in India would most probably be available with 4×4 version or 4×2 version.

The engine options in the Renault Duster in India would most likely be limited to two diesel options. Renault, as of now, isn’t looking to bring in any petrol engines to the equation. To cut down on costs, Renault would be using the same 1.5 liter engine as in the Renault Logan and the Nissan Micra diesel in India. This engine would be in two different states of tune for this SUV. One would be a 90 Ps version whereas the other would be in 110 Ps. Both these versions are said to provide for high torque figures and would be very sprightly to drive. Moreover, the refinement would be on another level and going by how damped the engine is in both the Logan and Micra, one can expect the same levels of NVH factoring in the Renault Duster in India. It is driveability where the engine would score most on and this is what Renault is looking at for its Indian customers. There would be a 6 speed gearbox for starters and later on, a 5 speed auto would also be offered. The gearshift feels similar to the Logan’s, a bit rubbery but easygoing. The Renault Duster would have a top speed of approximately 155 kmph.

The Duster would have 4 airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control and also parking sensors on its topmost variant, when it reaches the Indian shores. Fuel efficiency would also be on the higher side since the Renault Duster is lighter than most of its rivals here in India. The rivals list would include the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari. Does the tag of the world’s cheapest SUV suit this SUV? We don’t think so since in India, for jokes, we have the Premier Rio. But jokes apart, the Renault Duster price in India most likely would start from Rs 7 lakhs for the 4×2 variant whereas the fully blown 4×4 variant would clock in below Rs 10 lakhs. That seems pretty much value for money. Expect the Renault Duster here by early 2012. It would follow the Renault Fluence and the Renault Koleos. The competition in the meanwhile would be fully geared up for welcoming this SUV. Mahindra with their band of Ssangyong SUVs and their global W201 whereas Tata is already testing its 2011 Safari and would be out with it very soon.

w 2012 Renault Duster is an antidote to that idea. With a length of 4.31 metres and a width of 1.82 metres, Renault Duster is very compact. Its Megane-size proportions ensure that it is as at home in built-up areas as it is off the beaten track. Renault Duster was designed to cope with all types of road and track, all over the world. In order to meet these wide-ranging needs, Renault Duster will be available in both 4x4 and 4x2 form. The strengthened underside of Renault Duster is suitable for loose-surfaces and all-terrain use thanks to: high ground clearance of 210mm, short overhangs (822mm at the front, 820mm at the rear) and big clearance angles.

2012 Renault Duster

2012 Renault Duster

Renault Duster's occupants will appreciate the high standard of travelling comfort it provides, whatever the type of road or terrain, thanks to its high ride-height (205mm in 4x2 version and 210mm in 4x4 version) and specific work on its suspension (damper travel, springs and calibration). Comfort is further enhanced by Duster's long wheelbase (2.67m) and big 16-inch wheels. Renault Duster can be ordered with a 1.6 16V 105 petrol engine or a dCi 85 diesel engines, both of which have already showcased their qualities under the bonnet of numerous other Renault models. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the 4x2 and 4x4 versions of Renault Duster dCi 85 is just 5.1 and 5.3 litres/100km respectively. The combines cycle fuel consumption of the 4x2 and 4x4 versions of Renault Duster 1.6 16V 105 is 7.5 and 7.9 litres/100km respectively.

2012 Renault Duster

Earlier, we brought you a scoop about a mysterious SUV spotted on the GST road which leads to Renault-Nissan JV plant at Oragadam. We predicted that Renault is testing the Duster in India. Now, Overdrive magazine confirms that the Duster will make it to the Indian shores by early 2012.

Overdrive reports the Duster will be priced at about Rs 7 lakh for the 2WD version and Rs 9 lakh for the 4WD variant. This is a fantastic price tag for the 5 seater SUV. So would it be successful in India? We have our doubts.

• Firstly, it’s a 5 seater SUV and let’s not make any bones about it; apart from the Honda CRV and BMW X1, 5 seater SUVs don’t really rake in volumes in India. The Outlander, Yeti, Rio, X-trail, Vitara – they all tell us the same tale.

• Although the Duster is fantastically priced at 9 lakhs for the top end variant, the price tag puts it in direct competition with the Scorpio, which according to our comparo is the second best selling SUV in India and has 2 extra seats.

• The range of MPVs in that segment such as Sumo, Bolero, Innova, Xylo, soon-to-come Tavera will also give a tough fight for the Duster. The only to way to differentiate the Duster will be to market it as a ‘niche’ product. But the price tag suggest otherwise.

• The competition coming from Force Motors with its 10 lakh SUV and Tata Motors’ new Safari Merlin will be too hot for this baby SUV to handle.

• The Duster is not a hardcore off roader. It is always marketed as urban run-around for people to go to their office and occasionally take a long road trip on weekend. So clearly, it cannot enter into battle with the Mahindra Thar or Maruti’s new Gypsy.

But there a few things going for the baby SUV as well:

• Firstly, it has a diesel engine, a 1.5L dCI from Nissan to be precise. Honestly, with sky rocketing petrol prices, any company that launches a petrol SUV should be sued

• Secondly, ‘technically’ there is no baby SUV in that price range. So for someone who enjoys an elevated ride height, travels on a rough terrain often, but only needs 5 seats, the Duster is a very ideal SUV. It may not sell volumes but can be the ‘brand builder’ for Renault.

• Finally, according to international automotive press, the refinement, build quality, and NVH levels of this SUV are exceptional. It will certainly create a niche segment for itself just the way the Skoda Yeti, BMW X1 and Honda Jazz have done for themselves.

What are you opinions about this SUV? Does it make sense to launch it in India? The comments section awaits you

2012 Renault Duster

2012 Renault Duster Interior

Renault Duster benefits from Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the area of safety. On the active safety front, Renault Duster features, depending on versions, Bosch 8.1 ABS, as well as EBV electronic brakeforce distribution and EBA emergency brake assist. On the passive safety front, Renault Duster is fitted, as standard, with two front airbags (depending on market) and three-point seat belts with load limiters for the front seats, to which pyrotechnic pretensioners can be added. Depending on the version, two lateral head/thorax airbags are fitted in addition to the driver and passenger front airbags.

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2012 Ford Evos Desings

2012 Ford Evos Concept

2012 Ford Evos Concept : Frankfurt - New Car Trends.This New Ford Evos has revelead at Frankfurt Motor Show.While we still don’t have a name for Ford’s new design direction, we do know it replaces the Kinetic DNA and that key styling elements found on the EVOS concept will be applied to forthcoming Blue Oval vehicles including the next generation of the Focus.

2012 Ford Evos Frankfurt

2012 Ford Evos Concept

“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium visual appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J Mays, group vice president, Design and chief creative officer.

Ford said that the first of the new generation of production cars developed using the new design vocabulary will be given its public debut in 2012 without, however, elaborating further.

2012 Ford Evos Review

The concept itself measures 4.50m (177-in) long, 1.97m (77-in) wide and 1.36m (53-in) high, with a wheelbase of 2.74m (108-in). Even though the fastback model looks like a coupe at a first glance, the entire rear section of the car incorporates another pair of doors that open in the same upwards way as the front doors.The New Ford Evos is motivated by a lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that includes a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine.

2012 Ford Evos Review

2012 Ford Evos Picture

2012 Ford Evos Seat back

2012 Ford Evos Rear

2012 Ford Evos Seat

2012 Ford Evos Tire

2012 Ford Evos Steer

2012 Ford Evos Side Seat

Preparation

Here We Get Adorable Ford EVOS

The Ford EVOS Concept 2011, Amazing Hybrid concept for all the world given by the Ford, This concept shows the ultimate hard work and deep feelings for the Planet Earth, that’s why Ford gave the amazing Hybrid Concept, People like that concept, Ford exhibited that concept in the Frankfurt Auto Show 2011 and catch the concentration of the people and Executive Design Director Moray Callum.
“Both the exterior and interior of the Ford Evos Concept clearly communicate that this is a driver’s car, so that as soon as people see the vehicle, they will immediately want to get in and drive,” We Discuss about the Technology and Specification of the Ford EVOS Hybrid Concept in this post. Let’s take a look on the Hybrid Concept, Hope you all like that.

Interior

2012 Ford Evos Back

Enjoyed this post 2012 Ford Evos Concept : Frankfurt with click image to high-resolution with image gallery of 2012 Ford Evos.

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2012 Ford Evos Concept Sport

Ford Evos Concept Review

In its worldwide debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011 is the concept of Ford Evos the ultimate expression of Ford design language new world, and explores important vehicles, and future technologies.

Creating a custom concept car led the Ford Fastback, language first truly global conception that the dynamics of the business plan Ford to build products on.

“The concept of the Ford Evos combines three essential elements that are at the heart of our strategy of Ford global product A: excellent design, smart technology and fuel management,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of product development world.

“With its superior design and innovative technology experience, this is a clear demonstration of the exciting vision we have for the Ford brand. While you are never the car on the street, the next generation of Ford products in the world show many ideas for unique design and advanced technologies presented. ”
Ford Evos Concept is not just a design exercise. It also embodies the design team at Ford Global Product Development and moves on to develop vehicles more than just an indoor and outdoor use, or a collection of attributes.

“Our goal is to focus on the enrichment of a customer experience with their vehicles – through personalized, customize and create unique properties and unexpected surprise and pleasure,” said Kuzak. “In the concept car Ford Evos, this goal is explored and expanded the area of ​​connectivity, where the intention is not to convert the vehicle into a Smartphone, but for personal and secure connection to the outside world designed the Care for a rewarding way to complete the context of vehicle.”

World Ford Research and Innovation team, led by Paul Mascara was introduced to the concept of construction of the Evos for an experience technology as visionary as the design load. The result shows how Ford wants to build the dynamic innovations such as SYNC in-car system.

“If Ford defined the future of technology in the car on the experience it offers to the driver and passengers,” said Paul Mascara, CTO and vice president of Ford Research and Innovation. “We see technology as more than just an impressive list of microprocessors, sensors and software, but the application of this technology in an experience driver to provide better time behind the wheel.”

The concept of experience in technology includes a new generation of driver interaction and perception in the development of the Ford Research Laboratory and innovation. Seamless connection between the vehicle and the driver’s personal cloud “of information is at the heart of the vision of its capabilities.

“The possibilities are fascinating if we explore how to make a seamless link between home lifestyle, office and car through the driver’s seat to access personal data,” said Mascara.

With information from the cloud, the vehicle driver will experience the same lifestyle connection at home or office. The car knows the driver and automatically adjusts to management controls, steering and engine for an outstanding dynamic driving experience.

Ford researchers are focusing their efforts in this area in four main benefits customers: personalization, seamless extension of the driving experience, seeks to optimize the driver’s welfare and the provision of electric drive smart.

During today’s Ford products provide drivers with many options for personalization, connectivity will cloud future Ford vehicles in the experiment to proceed to the next step.

Draw a detailed understanding of preferences and driving habits of drivers, combining the concept of Ford Evos personal information with other data from the cloud, such as driver’s hours and the local traffic or weather. This information represents a unique and transparent as pilot transitions into and out of the car.

“We are examining how we can design or preferences of the driver to use the phrase to make life easier,” said Mascara. “The car is to know you and can act as personal assistant to some of the usual routine of commuting to act under control.”

It would automatically play the same music or news program that was only streaming for domestic heating or cooling within or at the ideal temperature, before the driver gets in without being asked by the prediction time departure according to schedule. Wireless communication devices at home, he could close the garage door and the lights turn off automatically when it moves away.

“The combined vision of cloud shows the enormous potential for adaptation of the driving experience, tailored to the precise personal taste and mood of the driver,” said Mascara. “On the recommendation of a major highway of his friends on social networks or to reset your clock you will sleep in a morning session stopped!”

Ford explores the notion Evos adaptive technologies to define the driving experience. Current technology requires that the vehicle chassis adjustments based on the abilities and preferences of a section of the conductors and the topography of the typical streets are defined. The concept provides for the handling and performance tuning, and the specific case of road behind the wheel.

Learning driver habits and skills, technology can overlay the map and meteorological data from the cloud came to the transmission, to adjust the steering, suspension and braking systems for pleasure, comfort and safety optimal. As the vehicle is adaptive and ground for maximum performance based on the situation, it takes a commitment to lead to a new level.

Ford researchers have technologies that focus on the welfare of the driver, such as the headquarters to monitor heart rate and Certified Allergy-developed interior. With a seamless connection to the cloud, oversees Ford Evos concept of fitness and ability of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly.

“Our welfare-oriented research and technology to relieve stress and increase driver awareness of their situation,” said Mascara. “Drivers around the world spend more time behind the wheel and the car should not be another point of stress in their lives.”

The concept of Ford Evos is also equipped with advanced sensors air quality, and filtration systems to help allergy sufferers. Location aware, it can access data in air quality from the cloud and proactively suggest a healthier way to the goal.

In situations of dynamic driving the vehicle can simplify the appearance of the dashboard only necessary to measure the driver information display and switch connected phone “Do Not Disturb” to help focus attention on the road.

Fill out the vision for the concept car Ford Evos is a state of the art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power train, so the next generation of performance and fuel economy than the Ford C-MAX Energy for introduction in North America in 2012 and planned in Europe in 2013.

Ford POWER SPLIT “hybrid architecture allows all the electric motor and gasoline engine, or work separately to maximize efficiency’s Powertrain Advanced generally run all-electric mode before switching to hybrid-bearing calculation mode for the most optimal fuel consumption.

Cloud of connectivity would be new opportunities to improve performance and efficiency by choosing the optimal combination of propulsion for a particular trip.

“Having access to a historical driving behavior and travel patterns allows us to identify the optimum fuel consumption and energy calculated by predicting the target,” said Mascara. “Our researchers are working hard to increase understanding of driving behavior, to develop detailed protocols for predicting and improving the journey through the intelligent use of fuel cells or batteries for the situation.”

The drive train cloud optimized automatically “know” where to save power and modes of switching, predicted information about the condition of the road vehicle, not an environmental restriction zone during the trip and current weather conditions.

In the future, municipalities may permit restrictions on the types of farm vehicles using certain roads or lanes to, and choose a few urban centers may be open only to fully electric vehicles. Help drivers such rules might be that some of the benefits of this technology. For example, the French government is considering mandatory areas of low emission, while cities like London, Berlin and Stockholm have already in place.

This ability to further improve the performance of the advanced technology of Ford PHEV, which offers a general line of over 500 miles (800 kilometers) to the battery and motor – more than any other plug-in or a car extended-range electric vehicle.

“With its advanced ‘cloud optimized” hybrid powertrain battery provides outstanding efficiency and the range of maximum driving pleasure, the concept of Ford Evos underscores our vision for greener, more intelligent vehicles with outstanding customer to speak ” said Kuzak.

The notion of Ford Evos has been developed specifically to meet the new Ford design direction forward. Key design elements will be applied to future Ford vehicles.

The new global design DNA, the company provides global design teams with a common framework for the creation of new products to drive, so they share a coherent family of vehicles to make the distinctive character same basic design.

“We wanted to give this concept a clear message to Ford Evos, which Ford design guides – design vehicles that are fun to drive, have a high premium optical and, especially, are breathtaking,” said J. Mays, vice president, Design and Chief Creative Officer.

“Our new design has been developed and refined the DNA through an intensive effort by our team of talented design world,” said Mays. “As a team we wanted to help shape a more technical language, please with smart technology that is now at the heart of the Ford brand to create. In addition, we have worked very hard to meet the high expectations of a new generation of buyers -. A group of consumers who have grown up surrounded by beautiful, high-end design of the work itself to providing affordable products, ”

To visit the vehicle due to introduce the new design language, Ford was the concept of the Evos as a dramatic fastback concept and design combines a striking profile with new innovative proportions. Catchy lines are a unique new format, with four doors, four-seat layout that combines the dynamic with amazing convenience.

“This body style is a new and exciting interpretation of the Fastback, with a truly innovative and dramatic silhouette and modern proportions,” said Mays.

With the length of a C-type car, but with a width of a CD drive, the concept of Ford Evos has a powerful, sporty look. The position in front of the hood, windshield and rounded pillars into more opportunity for designers behind the impression of a classic car to create GT, but with a very modern decor.

The concept of folding doors in spectacular style doors, front and rear, providing excellent access to the spacious cabin with four seats. The concept car measures 4.50m (177in) long, 1.97 m tall (77in) wide and 1.36 m (53In), with a wheelbase of 2.74 m (108IN). Form as the ultimate expression of the DNA of a new design, says the concept Ford Evos key elements of the language distinctive new Ford global design.

“Marked the new design DNA introduced a bold evolution of kinetic design language in the world of existing products and Ford will be a number of important elements that contribute a distinctive look to the future of Ford invented” Mays said.

Face, the concept of Evos immediately reported to the arrival of Ford something new – a new look for Ford trapezoidal grille mounted above the car and the creation of a self-awareness, more upscale look.

Bold, fact sheets, such as very thin ‘laser-cut “in front of lights or the dramatic image of the window front and back through the piece of thin glass of the roof connected set, add a distinctive character of the design stress. Sculpted edges careful surface detail, giving a refined and tighter as a more muscular.

“The concept of Ford Evos essential elements of the new overall design language embodies, while capturing the dynamic, fun to drive spirit that the focus of Ford’s DNA,” says Executive Design Director Martin Smith. “Particularly noteworthy is the brand new” face of Ford, “with its trapezoidal grille mounted over, and the design is bold with the use of very strong technical graphics. We also created surface much finer and more accurate, and these elements combine to give a strong visual sense of quality.

The vehicle was cut with the same purity of the surface sculpture and attention to detail, premium cars are noted. Around the world a new generation of buyers has come to expect high-end design in all products, regardless of the purchase price.

Guided by the spirit of fun to drive, its exterior design, the interior of the Evos concept built around the Ford driver. A sleek and innovative cockpit promises a new level of driving pleasure and the interaction of the driver.

The interior design offers clean surfaces and simple, with a muscular, athletic character of the thin upper dashboard, enhanced by bold trapezoidal cutouts. Contrasting forms muscular, sweeping the surface of the cockpit display scans both sides of the driver side and provides information on the vehicle and infotainment systems.

The concept proposes a bold red driver’s seat and the driver’s vision of unprecedented interaction via an advanced interface to the driver. The two rear passengers also get a special experience to interact with individuals touch screens with the car and individually adjustable sports seats.

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“Both the exterior and interior of the 2012 Ford Evos Concept clearly communicate that this is a driver’s car, so that as soon as people see the vehicle, they will immediately want to get in and drive,” said executive design director Moray Callum.

“The possibilities are fascinating when we explore how to enable a seamless lifestyle between home, office and car linked by access to the driver’s personal information,” Mascarenas said.

With information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experiences at home or office. The new 2012 Ford Evos Concept car knows the driver, and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.

In 2012, Ford Evo concept car is smart enough to increase performance and efficiency by choosing the optimal combination of powertrain states for a given trip, only the passage of electricity or gas mode only when necessary, or perhaps using a combination of both. The drive unit will automatically “know” where the means of energy conservation and move, using information on the road the driver predicted, no restriction emission zone during the trip and the current weather conditions.

More details about the 2012 Ford Evos Concept are scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year.

“Both the exterior and interior of the concept of Ford Evos clearly communicate that this is a driver of the car, so once people see the car, they immediately want to get in and drive” said the director of design management Moray Callum.

Ford Evos Concept Pictures

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2012 Ford Evos Concept Designs

Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Ford Evos Concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford’s new global design language, and explores key future powertrain and vehicle technologies.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photoFind more new 2012 Ford Evos Concept pictures in our 2012 Ford Evos Concept photo gallery

Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford’s first truly global design language as the momentum of the company’s One Ford product plan continues to build.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

“The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

“With its compelling design and innovative technology experience, this is a clear demonstration of the exciting vision we have for the Ford brand. While you will never see this car on the road, the next generation of Ford products around the world will display many of the distinctive design ideas and advanced technologies it showcases.”

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

Technology vision for enriched customer experience
Ford Evos Concept is not just a design-led exercise. It also embodies the global Ford product development team's move to design and develop vehicles as more than just an interior and exterior, or a collection of attributes.

"Our goal is to focus on enriching a customer's every experience with their vehicle – by personalizing it, adapting it, and creating unique, unexpected features that surprise and delight them," said Kuzak. "In the Ford Evos Concept, this objective is explored and extended to the area of connectivity, where the intent is not to convert the vehicle into a smartphone, but rather to provide personalised and safe connection to the outside world in an enriching manner designed totally for the vehicle context."
Ford's global Research and Innovation team, led by Paul Mascarenas, was tasked with building Evos Concept around a technology experience as visionary as the design. The result signals how Ford intends to build on the momentum of innovations like the SYNC in-car connectivity system.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

“At Ford, the future of technology in the car will be defined by the experience that it delivers to the driver and passengers,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Innovation. “We see technology as more than just an impressive list of microprocessors, sensors and software; it’s about the application of that technology to create an experience that enhances the driver’s time behind the wheel.”

The concept’s technology experience embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories. Seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s ‘personal cloud’ of information is at the heart of the vision for its capabilities.

“The possibilities are fascinating when we explore how to enable a seamless lifestyle between home, office and car linked by access to the driver’s personal information,” Mascarenas said.

With information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experiences at home or office. The car knows the driver, and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

Ford researchers are focusing their efforts in this area to deliver on four key customer benefits: personalisation, seamless enhancement of the driving experience, looking after the driver’s well-being and delivering smart electrified powertrain optimisation.

The personalised, cloud-connected lifestyle
While today’s Ford products provide drivers with many personalisation options, cloud connectivity will enable future Ford vehicles to take the experience to the next level.

Drawing from a detailed understanding of the driver’s preferences and driving habits, the Ford Evos Concept combines this personal information with additional data from the cloud, such as the driver’s work schedule and local traffic or weather conditions. This information provides a personalised and seamless experience as the driver transitions in and out of the car.

“We’re researching how we can use patterns or preferences set by the driver to make life simpler,” said Mascarenas. “The car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant to handle some of the usual routines of a daily commute.”

It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in without having to be requested by predicting departure time based on his calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

“This cloud-connected vision shows the enormous potential of tailoring the driving experience to suit the exact personal tastes and moods of the driver,” said Mascarenas. “From recommending a great driving road from friends on your social networks or resetting your alarm clock to let you sleep in when a morning meeting gets cancelled!”

Enhanced driving experience
Ford Evos Concept explores adaptive vehicle technologies to redefine the driving experience.

Current technology requires vehicle chassis settings to be defined based upon the abilities and tastes of a cross-section of drivers and the topography of typical roads. The concept foresees tuning handling and performance to the road ahead and the specific individual behind the wheel.

Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety. Because the vehicle is adaptive and honed to maximum performance based on the situation, it takes driving engagement to a new level.

Driver wellness
Ford researchers have already developed technologies focused on driver wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly.

“Our wellness research and technologies are focused on relieving driver stress and enhancing their situational awareness,” said Mascarenas. “Drivers around the world are spending more time behind the wheel, and the car should not be another stress point in their lives.”

The Ford Evos Concept is also equipped with advanced air quality sensors and filtration systems to help allergy sufferers. Location aware, it can access air quality data from the cloud and proactively suggest a healthier route to the destination.

In dynamic driving situations, the vehicle may simplify the appearance of the instrument panel to display only necessary gauge information and switch the driver’s connected smartphone to “Do Not Disturb” mode to help keep the focus of attention on the road.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

Cloud-optimised hybrid powertrain
Completing the vision for the Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.

Cloud connectivity would provide further opportunities to enhance performance and efficiency by selecting the optimum combination of powertrain modes for any given journey.

“Access to historical driver behaviour and travel patterns allows us to calculate the optimal fuel and energy efficiency by predicting the destination,” said Mascarenas. “Our researchers are working to increase understanding of driver behaviour, develop accurate protocols to predict it and enhance the trip by providing the smartest use of fuel or battery for the situation.”

The cloud-optimised powertrain would automatically ‘know’ when to save energy and switch modes, using information about the vehicle’s predicted travel route, any emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions.

In the future, communities may place firm restrictions on the types of vehicles allowed to use certain roads or highway lanes, and some city centres may choose to be open only to full electric vehicles. Helping drivers comply with such regulations could therefore be among the benefits of this technology. For example, the French government is considering creating zones mandating lower emissions, while cities such as London, Berlin, and Stockholm already have them in place.

This capability would further enhance the performance of Ford’s advanced PHEV technology, which offers an overall driving range of more than 500 miles (800 kilometres) using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle.

“With its leading-edge ‘cloud-optimised’ PHEV powertrain offering outstanding efficiency and range with supreme driving enjoyment, the Ford Evos Concept highlights our vision for greener, smarter vehicles with outstanding customer appeal,” said Kuzak.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

Ford’s new design direction
The Ford Evos Concept was specifically developed to introduce the new Ford design direction. Key design elements will be applied to forthcoming Ford vehicles.

The new global design DNA provides the company’s worldwide design teams with a common framework to guide the creation of new products, enabling them to shape a coherent family of distinctive vehicles sharing the same fundamental design character.

“We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium visual appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J Mays, group vice president, Design and chief creative officer.

“Our exciting new design DNA has been developed and refined by an intensive effort by all of our talented global design team," said Mays. "As a team, we wanted to create a more technical design vocabulary to help communicate the smart technology that is now core to the Ford brand. In addition, we worked particularly hard on meeting the high-expectations of a new generation of buyers – a group of consumers who have grown up surrounded by beautiful, premium design work on even the most affordable products."

Dramatic fastback design with unique proportions
To provide a fitting vehicle to introduce the new design language, the Ford Evos Concept was conceived as a dramatic fastback concept, combining a striking new profile with innovative proportions. Attention-grabbing lines conceal a unique new format, with a four-door, four-seat layout which combines dynamic appearance with surprising practicality.
“This is an exciting new interpretation of the fastback bodystyle, with a really innovative silhouette as well as dramatic and very modern proportions,” Mays said.

With the length of a typical C-car, but with width of a CD-car, the Ford Evos Concept has a powerful, sporting stance. The forward position of the cowl, the strongly rounded front screen and the A-pillars set further to the rear enabled the designers to create the impression of a classic GT car, but with a very contemporary feel.

The concept’s spectacular hinged gullwing-style doors, both front and rear, provide outstanding access to the spacious four-seat cabin.

The concept car measures 4.50m (177in) long, 1.97m (77in) wide and 1.36m (53in) high, with a wheelbase of 2.74m (108in).

Distinctive evolution
Shaped as the ultimate expression of the new design DNA, the Ford Evos Concept highlights key elements of Ford’s distinctive new global design language.

“The new design DNA marks a bold evolution of the kinetic design language featured on existing global Ford products and is characterised by a number of important elements that will contribute to an unmistakable future Ford look,” said Mays.

From the front, the Ford Evos Concept immediately signals the arrival of something new – a new face for Ford featuring the signature trapezoidal grille mounted higher on the car and creating a confident, more premium look.

Bold, technical shapes, such as the extremely slim ‘laser cut’ front lamps or the dramatic graphic created by the front and rear screens connected by the thin glazed section of the roof, add a distinctive character to the design. Sculptured flanks highlight attention to detail on the surfacing, which lends a refined quality and a tauter, more muscular character.

“The Ford Evos Concept embodies the core elements of the new global design language, while capturing the dynamic, fun-to-drive spirit which is central to the Ford DNA,” said executive design director Martin Smith. “Most notable is the brand new ‘face of Ford’, with its higher mounted trapezoidal grille, and the design is characterised by the use of very bold, technical graphics. We have also created much more refined and precise surfacing, and these elements together give a strong visual sense of premium quality.

The vehicle was sculpted with the same purity of surface sculpture and attention to detail which characterise premium vehicles. Around the world, a new generation of buyers have come to expect premium design in all products, regardless of the purchase price.

Built around the driver
Reflecting the fun-to-drive spirit of its exterior design, the interior of the Ford Evos Concept is built around the driver. A stylish and innovative cockpit promises new levels of driving pleasure and driver interaction.

2012 Ford Evos Concept photo

The interior architecture features clean and simple surfaces, with a muscular, athletic character to the slim upper instrument panel, enhanced by bold trapezoidal cut-outs. Contrasting these muscular forms, curvaceous cockpit display surfaces sweep down either side of the driver, providing secondary information about vehicle and infotainment systems.

The concept features a bold red driver’s seat and the vision of unprecedented driver interaction via an advanced driver interface. The two rear seat passengers get an equally special experience, with dedicated touch-screen displays to interact with the vehicle and individually adjustable sports seats.

“Both the exterior and interior of the Ford Evos Concept clearly communicate that this is a driver’s car, so that as soon as people see the vehicle, they will immediately want to get in and drive,” said executive design director Moray Callum.

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